MCCPL: It's Banned Books Week!

Paducah KY

26 September, 2021

6:37 PM

Description

Press release from the McCracken County Public Library: Devin Cook September 26, 2021 This year's theme is "Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us." Sharing stories important to us means sharing a part of ourselves. Books reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, creates barriers. (ALA) Celebrate your right to read by checking out some contested or banned titles from our library. From the American Library Associations's Banned Books Week page, here are the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020. Click on the title to find out more, check out digitally or place a hold! The story of how Banned Books Week began starts in the 1980s. At this time, the Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982) Supreme Court case began, which ruled that school officials can't ban books in libraries simply because of their content. There was a rise in protests, both against censorship and for it, which stirred a movement to spotlight the importance of material accessibility. To this day, books are challenged and banned for certain content, especially in schools. The ALA encourages citizens to report instances of censorship. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom provides confidential support to anyone undergoing a challenge or ban. Support can come in the form of letters, book reviews, resources, talking points or emotional support. Report censorship online or by calling 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4226. This press release was produced by the McCracken County Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.